Understanding/troubleshooting the safety switches: Difference between revisions

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This article explains how the various safety switches on the EX250 work together and also gives some tips for figuring out if you have a problem with one or more of them. Please see the [[Electrical & Lighting]] section of the FAQ for other articles on the switches.

This is somewhat EX250-specific. Other bikes may have a different combination of switches and may work differently. Check ''their'' FAQ.

==The components and how they work==

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==The start circuit==

For more assistance, see [[Start & Ignition Schematic.pdf]]

For more assistance, see [[Wiring schematics & diagrams|Start & Ignition Schematic.pdf]]

'''Short version'''

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The problem arises as the clutch lever is pulled in (clutch lever safety switch changes position - connects to ground), the transmission is shifted out of neutral and into gear (gear selector safety switch opens - no connection to ground), and the clutch lever is slowly released (the clutch lever safety switch changes position - connects to the gear selector safety switch), disconnecting the ground connection to the ignition module enable circuit and stopping the engine.

This is where the sidestand comes into play; with the sidestand in the down (parked) position, the sidestand safety switch is open (no connection to ground). When the sidestand is raised to the up (riding) position, the sidestand safety switch closes (connecting to ground) and completes the ignition module enable circuit, allowing the motorcycle to be driven. As the sidestand safety switch is only a component of the run circuit, and not a component of the start circuit, the position of the sidestand is not relevant when diagnosing starting problems.

This is where the sidestand comes into play; with the sidestand in the down (parked) position, the sidestand safety switch is open (no connection to ground). When the sidestand is raised to the up (riding) position, the sidestand safety switch closes (connecting to ground) and completes the ignition module enable circuit, allowing the motorcycle to be driven. As the sidestand safety switch is only a component of the run circuit, and not a component of the start circuit, '''the position of the sidestand is not relevant when diagnosing ''starting'' problems'''.

====Safety Switch Facts====

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==Troubleshooting the safety switches==

For more help, see [[Start & Ignition Troubleshoot Schematic.pdf]]

For more help, see [[Wiring schematics & diagrams|Start & Ignition Troubleshoot Schematic.pdf]]

====Starting Problem====

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Before deciding to replace a safety switch, a quick inspection may turn up a misaligned switch plunger, or a buildup of road grime around the switch, preventing the switch plunger from fully extending. Frequently all that is needed is a good cleaning and a spritz of WD-40 for lubrication. Tempting as it may be to operate the motorcycle with the safety switches bypassed, DON'T. The safety switches perform two very important safety functions:

1.The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand, and starting the motorcycle while not straddling it. Watching your Ninja jump forward and fall to the ground due to being in gear when it was started is no fun.

:1. The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand and starting the motorcycle while not straddling it. Watching your Ninja jump forward and fall to the ground due to being in gear when it was started is no fun.

2.The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position. Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and easy to do.

:2. The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position. Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and is all-too-easy to do.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 This article explains how the various safety switches on the EX250 work together and also gives some tips for figuring out if you have a problem with one or more of them. Please see the [[Electrical & Lighting]] section of the FAQ for other articles on the switches.
+This is somewhat EX250-specific. Other bikes may have a different combination of switches and may work differently. Check ''their'' FAQ.
 ==The components and how they work==
@@ Line 14: / Line 16: @@
 ==The start circuit==
-For more assistance, see [[Start & Ignition Schematic.pdf]]
+For more assistance, see [[Wiring schematics & diagrams|Start & Ignition Schematic.pdf]]
 '''Short version'''
@@ Line 48: / Line 50: @@
 The problem arises as the clutch lever is pulled in (clutch lever safety switch changes position - connects to ground), the transmission is shifted out of neutral and into gear (gear selector safety switch opens - no connection to ground), and the clutch lever is slowly released (the clutch lever safety switch changes position - connects to the gear selector safety switch), disconnecting the ground connection to the ignition module enable circuit and stopping the engine.
-This is where the sidestand comes into play; with the sidestand in the down (parked) position, the sidestand safety switch is open (no connection to ground). When the sidestand is raised to the up (riding) position, the sidestand safety switch closes (connecting to ground) and completes the ignition module enable circuit, allowing the motorcycle to be driven.  As the sidestand safety switch is only a component of the run circuit, and not a component of the start circuit, the position of the sidestand is not relevant when diagnosing starting problems.
+This is where the sidestand comes into play; with the sidestand in the down (parked) position, the sidestand safety switch is open (no connection to ground). When the sidestand is raised to the up (riding) position, the sidestand safety switch closes (connecting to ground) and completes the ignition module enable circuit, allowing the motorcycle to be driven.  As the sidestand safety switch is only a component of the run circuit, and not a component of the start circuit, '''the position of the sidestand is not relevant when diagnosing ''starting'' problems'''.
 ====Safety Switch Facts====
@@ Line 59: / Line 61: @@
 ==Troubleshooting the safety switches==
-For more help, see [[Start & Ignition Troubleshoot Schematic.pdf]]
+For more help, see [[Wiring schematics & diagrams|Start & Ignition Troubleshoot Schematic.pdf]]
 ====Starting Problem====
@@ Line 85: / Line 87: @@
 Before deciding to replace a safety switch, a quick inspection may turn up a misaligned switch plunger, or a buildup of road grime around the switch, preventing the switch plunger from fully extending.  Frequently all that is needed is a good cleaning and a spritz of WD-40 for lubrication.  Tempting as it may be to operate the motorcycle with the safety switches bypassed, DON'T.  The safety switches perform two very important safety functions:
-.The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand, and starting the motorcycle while not straddling it.  Watching your Ninja jump forward and fall to the ground due to being in gear when it was started is no fun.
+:1. The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand and starting the motorcycle while not straddling it.  Watching your Ninja jump forward and fall to the ground due to being in gear when it was started is no fun.
-.The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position.  Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and easy to do.
+:2. The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position.  Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and is all-too-easy to do.